Spine holder for two-photon recording

Abstract

The utility model provides a spine holder for two-photon recording, comprising: a first support comprising a first clamping arm arranged along a first direction, a first extension plate arranged along the first direction and connected with the first clamping arm, and a first connecting plate arranged along a second direction, the first connecting plate being connected with the first extension plate; the second support comprises a second clamping arm arranged in the first direction, a second extending plate arranged in the first direction and connected with the second clamping arm and a second connecting plate arranged in the second direction, and the second connecting plate can be connected with the first connecting plate in a sliding mode in the second direction; and the lead screw is arranged in the second direction and connected with the first extending plate and the second extending plate, and the lead screw and the clamping space are located on the two opposite sides of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in the first direction correspondingly. The spine clamp holder is high in structural strength and structural stability, and not only can adapt to spine structures of small animals, but also can adapt to spine structures of large animals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal experimental equipment technology, and in particular to a spinal clamp for two-photon recording. Background Technology

[0002] The dorsal root ganglion is a vital peripheral nerve tissue in humans and vertebrates responsible for sensing peripheral stimuli and for transmitting peripheral sensory codes to the spinal cord. In studying the neural coding mechanisms of sensations such as pain, itching, touch, cold, and heat, it is necessary to investigate the differences in the responses of dorsal root ganglion neurons under different peripheral stimuli. Currently, using two-photon microscopy to record dorsal root neuronal activity to elucidate the coding mechanisms of peripheral perception is at the forefront of neuroscience.

[0003] However, the development of spinal cord fixation devices for two-photon recording is still imperfect. The stability and durability of existing devices are poor, which leads to low spinal cord fixation firmness, causing visual field shaking and thus affecting image quality.

[0004] It should be noted that the above description of the background technology is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background technology section of this application. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a spinal clamp for two-photon recording to solve the problems mentioned in the background art or other similar problems.

[0006] This application provides a spinal clamp for two-photon recording, comprising: a first support including a first clamping arm disposed along a first direction, a first extension plate disposed along the first direction and connected to the first clamping arm, and a first connecting plate disposed along a second direction, the first connecting plate being connected to the first extension plate, the first direction being different from the second direction; a second support including a second clamping arm disposed along the first direction, a second extension plate disposed along the first direction and connected to the second clamping arm, and a second connecting plate disposed along the second direction, the second connecting plate being connected to the second extension plate, and the second connecting plate being slidably connected to the first connecting plate along the second direction, a clamping space with an adjustable clamping length in the second direction being formed between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm; and a lead screw disposed along the second direction and connected to the first extension plate and the second extension plate, the lead screw and the clamping space being located on opposite sides of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in the first direction, respectively.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first connecting plate is provided with an opening extending in the second direction, the second extension plate is slidably passed through the opening in the second direction, and the second connecting plate abuts against one side of the opening and is detachably connected to the first connecting plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the spinal clamp further includes: a cover plate and a second connecting plate respectively abutting against opposite sides of the opening in the second direction, the second connecting plate being connected to the cover plate via a first connector passing through the opening to clamp the first connecting plate together with the cover plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first support includes two first clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in a third direction, and the second support includes two second clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in the third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm have anti-slip teeth on their sides facing each other.

[0012] In some embodiments, the spinal clamp further includes: a base having a mounting side having a mounting groove extending in the second direction, a portion of the first connecting plate being embedded in the mounting groove and detachably connected to the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base includes: a first base plate disposed along the second direction, wherein the side of the first base plate facing the lead screw is the mounting side; and a second base plate disposed along the first direction and perpendicular to the first base plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the spinal clamp further includes: a positioning element, including a positioning ring fitted on the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, and a positioning ring connected to the positioning ring, wherein the positioning hole formed by the positioning ring corresponds to and communicates with the clamping space.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first support includes two first clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in a third direction, and the second support includes two second clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in the third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; there are two positioning members, one of which has a positioning ring fitted around one of the first clamping arms and one of the second clamping arms, and the other has a positioning ring fitted around one of the first clamping arms and one of the second clamping arms, the positioning rings of the two positioning members being located on opposite sides of the clamping space in the third direction.

[0016] The spinal clamp of this embodiment has a second bracket that can be slidably connected to the first bracket. The first and second brackets are connected by a lead screw, which facilitates the adjustment of the clamping range and clamping force. It also has high structural strength and strong structural stability, and can be adapted not only to the spinal structure of smaller animals but also to the spinal structure of larger animals, with good imaging stability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first bracket in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the first bracket in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second bracket in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the second bracket in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a spinal clamp according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a spinal clamp according to another embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Explanation of key component designations:

[0026] 100. Spinal clamp;

[0027] 10. First support; 11. First clamping arm; 12. First extension plate; 13. First connecting plate;

[0028] 14. Opening; 15. Anti-slip teeth;

[0029] 20. Second bracket; 21. Second clamping arm; 22. Second extension plate; 23. Second connecting plate;

[0030] 24. Sliding boss; 25. Anti-slip teeth;

[0031] 30. Lead screw; 31. Nut;

[0032] 40. Clamping space; 50. Cover plate; 51. First connecting piece;

[0033] 60. Base; 61. First base plate; 62. Second base plate; 601. Mounting side; 602. Mounting groove;

[0034] 70. Pressure plate; 80. Positioning component; 81. Positioning ring; 82. Positioning ring;

[0035] W1, First direction; W2, Second direction; W3, Third direction; L, Clamping length. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different elements by their designation, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or temporal order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one or more of the terms listed in association and all combinations thereof. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components, or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, or assemblies.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc., may include the plural forms and should be broadly understood as "a kind" or "a class" rather than limited to the meaning of "one." In addition, the term "the" should be understood to include both the singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term "according to" should be understood as "at least partially based on..." and the term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on..." unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise stated.

[0039] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this application provides a spinal clamp 100 for two-photon recording, which includes a first support 10, a second support 20 and a lead screw 30.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first bracket 10 includes a first clamping arm 11 arranged along a first direction W1, a first extension plate 12 arranged along the first direction W1 and connected to the first clamping arm 11, and a first connecting plate 13 arranged along a second direction W2. The first connecting plate 13 is connected to the first extension plate 12. The first direction W1 is different from the second direction W2.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second bracket 20 includes a second clamping arm 21 disposed along the first direction W1, a second extension plate 22 disposed along the first direction W1 and connected to the second clamping arm 21, and a second connecting plate 23 disposed along the second direction W2. The second connecting plate 23 is connected to the second extension plate 22, and the second connecting plate 23 is slidably connected to the first connecting plate 13 along the second direction W2. A clamping space 40 with an adjustable clamping length L1 is formed between the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21 in the second direction W2.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the lead screw 30 is arranged along the second direction W2 and is connected to the first extension plate 12 and the second extension plate 22. The lead screw 30 and the clamping space 40 are located on opposite sides of the first connecting plate 13 and the second connecting plate 23 in the first direction W1, respectively.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second connecting plate 23 can be slidably connected to the first connecting plate 13, that is, the second bracket 20 can slide on the first bracket 10 along the second direction W2, so that a clamping space 40 for clamping the animal spine with an adjustable clamping length L1 is formed between the clamping arms of the two brackets, which is convenient for adjusting the clamping range and clamping force, and can not only adapt to the spinal structure of smaller animals, but also adapt to the spinal structure of larger animals.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment of the application, the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are respectively provided with a first extension plate 12 and a second extension plate 22 connected to the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21, and the first extension plate 12 and the second extension plate 22 are connected by a lead screw 30. Thus, by means of the lead screw 30, not only can the distance (i.e., clamping length L1) and the clamping tightness between the first and second clamping arms 21 be easily adjusted, but the clamping length L1 can also be precisely and steplessly adjusted, and the overall structural strength and structural stability of the clamp are also improved.

[0046] Furthermore, by providing first and second extension plates 22 and lead screws 30 on the side of the first and second connecting plates opposite to the first and second clamping arms, the second support 20 can be prevented from deflecting relative to the first support 10 when clamping the animal's spine, ensuring that there will be no deflection, loosening or insecure clamping when clamping larger animals, thus enabling the clamp of this application to be suitable for clamping the spine of larger animals.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lead screw 30 is threadedly connected to the first extension plate 12 and the second extension plate 22, and the end of the lead screw is fastened by the nut 31.

[0048] Preferably, the first direction W1 is perpendicular to the second direction W2, so that the first support 10 and the second support 20 are both in an L-shape.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first connecting plate 13 is provided with an opening 14 extending along the second direction W2, the second extension plate 22 can slide through the opening 14 along the second direction W2, and the second connecting plate 23 abuts against one side of the opening 14 and is detachably connected to the first connecting plate 13.

[0050] In this embodiment, an opening 14 is provided on the first connecting plate 13 of the first bracket 10, allowing the second bracket 20 to slide along the opening 14, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20. The structure is simple and the disassembly and assembly are very convenient.

[0051] For example, the width of the opening 14 is slightly larger than the width of the second extension plate 22, ensuring that the second extension plate 22 slides smoothly and without wobbling in the opening 14, improving the sliding stability of the second bracket 20 relative to the first bracket 10, and improving the structural stability of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 in the clamping state.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the spinal clamp also includes a cover plate 50, which abuts against the opening 14 on opposite sides in the second direction W2. The second connecting plate 23 is connected to the cover plate 50 through a first connector 51 passing through the opening 14, so as to clamp the first connecting plate 13 together with the cover plate 50.

[0053] In this design, the second connecting plate 23 and the cover plate 50 can jointly clamp the first connecting plate 13, thereby stably fixing the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 together, preventing relative wobbling between them, and further improving clamping stability.

[0054] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 51 is a connecting screw. The cover plate 50 and the second connecting plate 23 are respectively provided with screw holes that cooperate with the connecting screw. The connecting screw passes through the screw hole on the cover plate 50, the opening 14 and the screw hole on the second connecting plate 23 in sequence to fix the cover plate 50, the first connecting plate 13 and the second connecting plate 23 together.

[0055] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second connecting plate 23 is also provided with a sliding boss 24. The sliding boss 24 is located on the side of the second connecting plate 23 opposite to the second clamping arm 21 and protrudes from this side. The sliding boss 24 can extend into the opening 14 and slide with the opening 14. For example, the width of the sliding boss 24 is slightly smaller than the width of the opening 14.

[0056] This solution, by setting the sliding boss 24 to slide with the opening 14, can further improve the reliability and stability of the sliding connection between the second bracket 20 and the first bracket 10, prevent relative wobbling between the two, and thus further improve the clamping stability.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first bracket 10 includes two first clamping arms 11 arranged side by side and spaced apart on the third direction W3, and the second bracket 20 includes two second clamping arms 21 arranged side by side and spaced apart on the third direction W3, the third direction W3 being perpendicular to the first direction W1 and the second direction W2.

[0058] In this embodiment, both the first support 10 and the second support 20 are provided with two clamping arms. The double clamping arm design can disperse the clamping force, avoid excessive pressure at a single point from damaging the animal's spine, and further improve the clamping stability and reliability of the gripper.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, anti-slip teeth 15 and 25 are provided on the surfaces of the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21 facing each other, making the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21 generally rack-shaped. This design, by setting anti-slip teeth, can increase the clamping friction and improve the clamping stability and firmness.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the spinal clamp also includes a base 60, which has a mounting side 601. The mounting side 601 is provided with a mounting groove 602 extending along the second direction W2. A portion of the first connecting plate 13 is embedded in the mounting groove 602 and is detachably connected to the base 60.

[0061] For example, the width of the mounting groove 602 is slightly larger than the width of the first connecting plate 13. Therefore, the first connecting plate 13 can be embedded in the mounting groove 602, thereby improving the connection stability between the first bracket 10 and the base 60.

[0062] For example, the width of the mounting groove 602 is 16mm and the length is 50mm.

[0063] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the spinal clamp also includes a pressure plate 70, which abuts against the side of the first connecting plate 13 opposite to the mounting groove 602. In other words, the pressure plate 70 and the mounting side 601 of the base 60 together clamp the first connecting plate 13, thereby further improving the connection stability between the first support 10 and the base 60.

[0064] For example, the pressure plate 70 is provided with a plurality of screw holes (not shown in the figure), and the mounting side 601 of the base 60 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 603. Thus, the pressure plate 70 can be connected to the base 60 by screws 71, thereby fixing and clamping the first connecting plate 13 of the first bracket 10. For example, the width of the pressure plate 70 is greater than the width of the first connecting plate 13, and the plurality of screw holes on the pressure plate 70 are located on opposite sides of the first connecting plate 13. Thus, the screws 71 do not need to pass through the first connecting plate 13, avoiding the need to open screw holes in the first connecting plate 13.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figure 6As shown, the base 60 includes a first base plate 61 and a second base plate 62. The first base plate 61 is disposed along a second direction W2, and the side of the first base plate 61 facing the lead screw 30 is the mounting side 601. The second base plate 62 is disposed along a first direction W1 and is perpendicular to the first base plate 61. Thus, the base 60 has an overall L-shaped structure. The first base plate 61 of the base 60 is used to connect with the first support 10, and the second base plate 62 can be used to connect with the displacement stage of the two-photon microscope, so that the holder can be fixed on the displacement stage, avoiding shaking of the holder during use and improving imaging stability.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the spine clamp 100 also includes a positioning element 80, comprising a positioning ring 81 fitted on the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21, and a positioning ring 82 connected to the positioning ring 81. The positioning hole formed by the positioning ring 82 corresponds to and communicates with the clamping space 40. Thus, when an animal is placed in the clamping space 40, not only is the animal's spine clamped and fixed by the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 21, but the positioning ring 82 can also be fitted onto the animal's body to further improve imaging stability.

[0067] Furthermore, there are two positioning components 80. One positioning component 80 has a positioning ring 81 that fits over one first clamping arm 11 and one second clamping arm 21. The other positioning component 80 has a positioning ring 81 that fits over another first clamping arm 11 and another second clamping arm 21. The positioning rings 82 of the two positioning components 80 are located on opposite sides of the clamping space 40 in the third direction W3. Thus, the positioning rings 82 of the two positioning components 80 can fit over both ends of the animal's body, not only supporting the animal's body but also further improving imaging stability.

[0068] In some embodiments, a heating device may be provided on the base 60 to keep the animal's body temperature constant during recording while it is under anesthesia.

[0069] The above description is merely an embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Various modifications and variations can be made to this specification by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A spinal clamp for two-photon recording, characterized in that, The spinal clamp includes: The first support includes a first clamping arm disposed along a first direction, a first extension plate disposed along the first direction and connected to the first clamping arm, and a first connecting plate disposed along a second direction, wherein the first connecting plate is connected to the first extension plate, and the first direction is different from the second direction. The second support includes a second clamping arm disposed along the first direction, a second extension plate disposed along the first direction and connected to the second clamping arm, and a second connecting plate disposed along the second direction. The second connecting plate is connected to the second extension plate, and the second connecting plate is slidably connected to the first connecting plate along the second direction. A clamping space with an adjustable clamping length in the second direction is formed between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. A lead screw is provided along the second direction and connected to the first extension plate and the second extension plate. The lead screw and the clamping space are located on opposite sides of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in the first direction, respectively.

2. The spinal clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting plate has an opening extending in the second direction, and the second extension plate can slide through the opening in the second direction. The second connecting plate abuts against one side of the opening and is detachably connected to the first connecting plate.

3. The spinal clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A cover plate and a second connecting plate abut against opposite sides of the opening in the second direction. The second connecting plate is connected to the cover plate via a first connector passing through the opening, so as to clamp the first connecting plate together with the cover plate.

4. The spinal clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket includes two first clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in a third direction, and the second bracket includes two second clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in the third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. The spinal clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The spinal clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm have anti-slip teeth on their sides facing each other.

7. The spinal clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The base has a mounting side, on which a mounting groove extending in the second direction is provided, and a portion of the first connecting plate is embedded in the mounting groove and detachably connected to the base.

8. The spinal clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base includes: A first base plate is provided along the second direction, and the side of the first base plate facing the lead screw is the mounting side. The second base plate is disposed along the first direction and is perpendicular to the first base plate.

9. The spinal clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The positioning component includes a positioning ring fitted on the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, and a positioning ring connected to the positioning ring. The positioning hole formed by the positioning ring corresponds to and communicates with the clamping space.

10. The spinal clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first bracket includes two first clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in a third direction, and the second bracket includes two second clamping arms arranged side-by-side and spaced apart in the third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; There are two positioning elements. The positioning ring of one positioning element is fitted over one first clamping arm and one second clamping arm, and the positioning ring of the other positioning element is fitted over another first clamping arm and another second clamping arm. The positioning rings of the two positioning elements are respectively located on opposite sides of the clamping space in the third direction.

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